Events

James McNamee is the Managing Director of Garston Hops, a hop-growing venture based on his family’s fifth-generation sheep farm in Northern Southland. In a region not traditionally known for hops, Garston Hops is producing distinctive, high-quality aroma hops shaped by Garston’s unique alpine terroir. With deep roots in the land and a passion for innovation, James has helped transform part of the farm into a thriving hop garden, blending tradition with bold diversification. Garston Hops is a testament to what’s possible when heritage, vision, and place come together.

The club’s AGM is scheduled as part of the lunch meeting on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025

The annual financials for the Club and the Charitable Trust for the year ending June 30, 2025, will be presented as part of the AGM.

Club Constitution and By Laws will also be on the agenda.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: James McNamee - Garston Hops

For more details on guest speaker and topic visit: https://www.invercargillrotary.club/speakers/09afa179-60eb-41fb-972b-6087e1037357

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch, tea/coffee and parking at former H&J Smith car park (Please note registration is required to be advised to Hotel Reception on arrival).

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Once again we will be undertaking hands-on project support for the Santa Parade.   

Each year the Santa Parade floats are given a final check over & clean to ensure they are looking their best for parade day, (Parade Day is 29 November 2025). 

Tasks may include cleaning, painting or other general parade prep so please dress accordingly.

Following the working bee an informal fish and chip tea is planned.

The 2025 Santa Parade date is "scheduled' for Saturday 29th November.

Once again we will be undertaking hands-on project support for the Santa Parade, with working bee's on the floats pre-parade and helping out on the day.

More details will be added later in the year.

If you have any queries about the Parade - contact Alice or Ross who remian connected with the parade.

Gavin Evans is the founder of LUG South, a charitable trust and officially recognized Registered LEGO® User Group (RLUG) since 2015. Under Gavin’s leadership, LUG South, has become a community, working together for results greater than the individual. 

Gavin’s mission goes far beyond bricks. With a passion for community,  LUG South has a powerful purpose: using LEGO® events to raise funds for children facing medical challenges across Southland and Otago. Through engaging public exhibitions and creative collaborations, Gavin has helped transform a hobby into a force for good.

A proud descendant of Ngāti Maniapoto, Gavin traces his ancestry to Te Kanawa, a signatory of the Treaty of Waitangi.

In 2022, he was honored as a Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Medallist for his community work.

As an Ambassador to the LEGO® Group, Gavin mentors new ambassadors—his “brickmates”—across the globe, with a special focus on the Oceania region.

Gavin will share the story of LUG South, their latest community collaboration project with the MRI scanner, some highlights from his LEGO® connections 2025 holiday.  Gavin lives and works locally, has 4 adult children, and 1 grandchild.

Want to know more about LUG South ahead of Gavin’s talk – visit https://www.lug-south.org.nz/

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: To be Confirmed

For more details on guest speaker and topic visit: 

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch, tea/coffee and parking at former H&J Smith car park (Please note registration is required to be advised to Hotel Reception on arrival).

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Everyone is welcomed to join us at our final lunch meeting for 2025 on Tuesday 16th December 2025

We will have Christmas carols, songs and some festive cheer and those attending are invited to wear something 'festive' 

A Christmas inspired menu will be arranged with cost per person to be advised closer to event date.

A cash bar will be operating before lunch for those wishing to purchase a beverage.

Please extend an invite to partners, family and/or friends to this final meeting.

Bring some cash for the Christmas Raffle and don't forget if you have not already donated to bring an item or two for the Family Work Hamper.

Complimentry parking is included in the cost in the former H&J Smith car park - vehicle registration is reqired to advised at Hotel Reception.

Meals can be paid online or on the day of the Christmas Lunch and advised to the Chief Elf on lunch reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements go to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839.

The annual Working Bee for Deep Cove is scheduled for  23 & 24th January 2026.

Our Club has a long term arrangement for a group to go in to assist the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust with tasks to tidy up before the schools start visiting.    

Join us for one night or two for service above self. Transport is sponsored by Real Journeys from Manapouri to Deep Cove and return.  You need to bring your own sleeping bag and towel and make a contribution towards food organised for the group.

The tasks for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the time.

Please note space to participate in this club service project is  limited.

If you are interested in being part of the 2026 Working Bee please email or contact Helen Cook who is co-oridnating name(s) on  027 310 8587 or by email:  helencook697@gmail.com

Lunch in the Park kicks off the first Rotary meeting for 2026 on Tuesday, January 27th.

Table will be booked under Rotary from 12.15pm til 2:15 to offer flexibility for people to come at usual time, come later or somewhere in between and stay for as long as you can.

Lunch at own cost / order on arrival

Meeting format is informal with no set timeframes

Everyone welcome!